ICH is the evaluator for the English for Parents (EFP) program, which was created and is run by The Welcome Project (TWP). EFP aims to support parents whose children are in the Somerville public school system by providing classes that equip parents with knowledge on navigating the school system along with English language skills. TWP hired ICH to conduct a year-long, mixed methods evaluation to inform their decision-making about possibly expanding EFP into other districts. The evaluation seeks to better understand whether the program leads to increased engagement of immigrant parents in the school system, as well as the perceived impact on students’ academic success. ICH will be conducting data collection with school administrators, focus groups with parents who are currently participating in the program, and surveys with current and past program participants. Data collection with program participants will be done in several languages. ICH will disseminate findings and recommendations through reports and presentations to key stakeholders. EFP program staff intend to use what is learned through this evaluation to improve and potentially expand their program in a way that is informed by participants’ experiences.
